BOOM. Surprised ya'll didn't I? You thought it'd be another month before I updated but I forwent sleep so I could give you another chapter. Yes, that's how much I love my readers! So I hope you enjoy. R& (if you can) R.
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
He wanted to shout in anger. He was so tired of having to deal with Galbatorix's men. Looking to his friend, he found the former blonde already checking her weapon, her muscles tense. Arya was going to the trunk of the car and gathering necessary supplies. He went back with her, taking his own pack.
"Do we know how many?"
She shook her head, looking down at the walkie.
"No but they keep on chattering away so from what I can tell, there's four more lookouts scattered along the road. I'm assuming Murtagh is here because this sounds like his idea."
Eragon frowned. That wasn't what he was hoping to hear. Switching topics, he looked through the back window to the three people waiting there.
"How are we going to proceed. They seem to have accepted their fate but if they are playing us, we could all end up dead."
Arya nodded.
"I know. That's why you need to convince them. And watch them closely as you talk with them. You'll be able to tell what they're feeling and whether they'll follow us or not."
He tapped his fingers along the car's trunk, the hollow sound giving him a rather distasteful idea.
"We could put one of them in the trunk."
Arya seemed to recoil from the idea although he could tell she was processing it. Finally she shook her head.
"No, not unless worse comes to worse. We can basically say goodbye to any trust we've attained if we lock them up. Just talk to them and I'll go and try and take out the nearest guard."
He tried to hide the worry as he nodded, knowing she wouldn't listen anyway. Instead he focused on the Henders, sliding in the front seat of the car and turning to face them. Both parents looked worried while Firnen's face was calculated. Eragon could tell he was still thinking of ways to escape. He had to sway him to stay put.
"Galbatorix's men are here. Murtagh is here: the man who acted as Devon. They somehow discovered our location and are waiting." His mind was moving rapidly, trying to figure some way to set Firnen's mind on staying. An idea revealed itself and he struggled with whether to go with it. He didn't want to give the family any more reason to distrust them if they found out he was lying. But he had to, there was no other way he could see. "Arya took one of their talkies and we've been listening to their chatter for the past ten minutes. Apparently they plan to grab you and waste the rest of us. I don't expect you to believe me but I'm begging you, don't put Saphira's life in danger. She's already been through so much."
He found comfort in the fact that that could possibly be Murtagh's actual plan, and hoped Arya wouldn't counter what he said before he could warn her. Already he saw Firnen's face frown in concentration and after a moment a look of acceptance found its way.
"I wont try anything. But you should make sure. Put me in the trunk."
Mary and Richard looked incredulously at him and the husband spoke.
"Firnen, no."
The boy smiled at his parents.
"I know you guys want the best and are only trying to protect me, but I also know that you cannot see how this could play out. Trying to run and risking Saphira and you two is not something I can deal with."
Mary gripped his arm.
"She isn't who you knew, Firnen. Your feelings are one-sided."
Eragon wanted to snap at her, to contradict her words, but he knew Firnen had to control this decision. It was the only way they'd listen. The boy only nodded.
"Maybe so, but it doesn't mean mine aren't still there. I don't want her hurt."
His parents looked at Eragon and Mary continued to argue.
"We weren't going to run. Not now. We don't even know where we are."
Firnen didn't let Eragon answer.
"I know you don't plan on it, but in the moment everything is different. I lost my head last night and let so many things cloud my judgement so I know exactly what can happen. If you both tried to leave, I'd obviously go with you. This way, you can't because you wont leave without me. It all makes sense."
He got out of the car despite the running protests and walked to the back, waiting for Eragon to open the trunk. He looked at the kid and let out a short laugh, shaking his head.
"You two are so much alike it's ridiculous. And I doubt you'll believe me, but" Eragon looked at Saphira, making sure she was a safe distance away and couldn't hear. "despite the facade she's thrown up for you and your parents, Saphira is head over heels for you. Just give it time and think about it. Would she allow herself to be compromised by you if she wasn't?"
He popped the trunk and left it at that, closing it as soon as he'd rolled inside. Luckily it was rather roomy. He gave the Henders an apologetic look and made his way over to Saphira, locking the car. He'd also jammed the lock for the trunk just in case they tried to break their son out. Saphira frowned at him.
"Why did you put him in the trunk? That's not doing us any favors in getting them to trust us."
Eragon chuckled.
"He volunteered. Smart kid, he is. Kind of like this other-"
"Shut up."
She was somewhat smirking and he counted it as mission accomplished. A scatter of branches alerted him to a presence and he swung about, both he and Saphira raising their weapons and cocking them. Upon recognizing Arya, he sighed in relief and holstered the gun.
"News?"
Arya nodded, kneeling in front of her pack and tossing Saphira her silencer. Eragon took note and found his own, equipping it to his gun as she relayed what she'd discovered.
"There's another guard just a few hundred feet from the girl I shot. The pattern was relatively the same so I took him down along with the last two. Now all the lookouts are out of play and we have to move fast before they get suspicious."
Eragon's anger rose at her recklessness and she seemed to notice, shaking her head slightly to deter any confrontation at that time. He relented but gave her a look that said it wasn't forgotten. She glanced back and saw Firnen missing and he told her what he'd told Saphira. She nodded in appreciation and then motioned to the two cars.
"Saphira, move this one into the brush; Eragon, do the same with the Henders. I'll gather our gear and throw out any unnecessary items that will slow us down."
He nodded and went to the Henders' car, explaining what he was about to do. They nodded sullenly and were quiet as he started the quiet engine. He pressed the gas, inching the car forward into the trees and wincing at every snap and shuffle of branches and leaves. It all seemed so loud in the silence. Once he was far enough in, he slid out and waited for Saphira to stop a few feet away, closer to a tree with vines and moss hanging off of it. She yanked some down, starting to camouflage the metallic paint. He grinned at her brilliance and did the same.
By the time they'd smeared mud over each and made them almost unrecognizable, Arya joined them. She smirked at Saphira, knowing it was her who'd decided to do it. She glanced at him and then the younger girl, taking a breath.
"Saphira I want you to stay here." Before she could protest, Arya continued. "We can't risk you getting captured and somebody has to stay with the Henders. Eragon is specially trained and I need him by my side. Please don't fight this."
The girl slumped against a tree.
"I know it's necessary, I just, well, I don't want to be alone with them." She looked up, ashamed. "Is it stupid that I'd rather risk my life fighting than being around such judging eyes?"
Eragon shook his head, still somewhat reeling from Arya saying she needed him. Of course she meant it in a strategic way, but all the same it was nice to hear.
"No, actually. I understand why you don't want to be near them. But just think. It's all almost over. You'll be able to avoid them forever when we get back to Varden."
He noticed that she didn't seem particularly pleased at that either, but she relented.
"Fine. You guys get going and don't die."
Arya nodded curtly and went into battle mode, tossing Eragon his pack which he realized was dramatically lighter, and shouldering her own.
"Let's go."
He followed quickly behind her, at ease in the forest from his many hunting trips with Garrow and Roran. It was instinct, and because of this, he didn't have to focus on what he was doing.
"What the hell, Arya?"
She sighed in annoyance.
"What?"
He glared at her.
"Don't 'what' me. You said you were just going to take out the next one to give us more breathing room. You said nothing about striking out on your own and killing the last two. You could've been wrong and then you could've gotten killed."
She held up a finger and he silenced himself as they continued to run. After a moment he looked around.
"Why did you shush me? Did you hear something?"
She threw him a cunning grin that took his breath away.
"I just wanted you to shut up."
He grumbled under his breath.
"Women."
She chuckled, obviously having heard.
"Eragon I improvised. You know I wouldn't have gone for it if I couldn't have handled it. I'm not stupid and I am disappointed in your lack of faith."
He groaned.
"That's not what I mean and you know it. I'd just to know what the gameplan is before you put it in effect. Can you do that?"
She was thoughtful for a moment before nodding.
"Fine. But you need to keep your concerns to yourself from now on. Deal?"
He stuck his tongue out at her.
"Deal."
She smiled and he couldn't help but respond with his own. Damn the effect she had on him. They had gone about a mile more in silence when she held up her hand in a fist, signaling him to freeze. He did so, waiting. Arya raised her weapon, aiming in the direction she obviously saw somebody. He peered closely, impressed at her vision adaptability in such heavy foliage. But then again, she was the best of the best. Arya motioned for him to flank and he motioned that he understood, carefully traversing the ground as he went around. He knew she wanted to make sure there weren't any other enemies that would be alerted. He studied the area for several seconds before motioning back the all clear.
She nodded and fired, the small whistle reaching his ears as the man fell. Eragon raced forward and caught him before he hit the grass, avoiding the crunch of leaves that was bound to occur. Arya caught up and waited while he shrouded the body with brush. As soon as they were finished they moved on. A flash caught his eye and he frowned, motioning for her to slow down. They waited over a minute as he continued to watch for it. Not once did she question him and he appreciated the faith. Finally, just as he was beginning to think he'd imagined it, the light reflected again.
He signaled 'sniper' and her lips pursed. They had two options at this point. Try and skirt around and get to the building or go half a mile out of the way and take down the shooter. He took the lead on this, knowing from past situations that it was always an unnecessary risk to allow any enemy to stay on the board. He motioned for her to follow and she hesitated somewhat before nodding and letting him take point. Again, he found himself surprised and grateful for her trust in his instincts.
They took a very roundabout path to ensure the enemy never caught them in the scope. Ten minutes later, they came from a jog to a slow, crouching walk. The sniper was just above the ridge now and he'd be listening for any sign of movement behind him. That, or he'd have a lookout. Arya took over, tapping his arm and leading them at a slant up the steep and rocky hill. They had almost breached the top when she held out her hand palm down and lowered it, signaling for him to go prone. They both dropped to their stomachs and she held up two fingers.
He nodded. She'd seen a second enemy. Inching forward, he glanced over the grass and caught sight of a man with an AK-47 out and ready for any trouble as he passed between trees. She was closest to the sniper but he was still out of sight. Eragon on the other hand was closer to the patroller but was too far to get to him before he hit the ground and alerted the sharpshooter. Rolling onto his back and pressing himself into the dirt, he motioned for her to move closer to the sniper and further down the steep incline. Eragon, risking everything, hit the ground beside him, causing loose rocks to tumble down the side. It was just loud enough that Eragon knew the guard could hear. Footsteps sounded as the man came closer. Eragon tensed, his weapon at his side. A soon a the red hair of his enemy came in sight straight above his face, Eragon fired. Without a word, the lookout toppled. Eragon had prepared for this and had tossed his weapon the rest of the way on top of the incline as soon as he shot. This left his hands open to catch the man as he fell over him. Blood oozed from the enemies head onto Eragon's face and he grimaced, tasting the irony tang as some of it seeped into his mouth.
He spit, his arms straining to hold the body above him and slowly lower him down. As soon as the man's full weight was on Eragon's chest, he pushed him to the side and rolled away, wiping the crimson from his face in disgust. He tried to forget the shocked look in the guard's face when he'd fallen. Sometimes he really hated his line of work. He saw a flash of movement in the trees just as Arya appeared behind the sniper. Eragon watched as she leapt like a tigress, covering the man's mouth and tearing his hand away from the trigger. Yanking him back, she released his hand and tore out her knife, slitting it across his throat.
Arya drops him and steps back, looking to find Eragon covered in blood. Her eyes widen in as she moves toward him but he waves off her worry and whispers.
"His blood, not mine." She seems unsettled but nods and he looks toward the body of the guy she killed. "Why not shoot him?"
Arya runs her hand through her hair in frustration. He completely understands, knowing that killing with a knife is so much more brutal than gun. You feel the driving blow as you deliver it. It's so much more personal.
"His finger was on the trigger. I knew if I shot him there was a possibility he'd twitch and fire."
Eragon looked at the rifle, noting the silencer.
"Nobody would've heard."
She smirked.
"It doesn't mean the bullet wouldn't hit something loud. Anyway, while we have this vantage point we may as well take in the area and see how many enemy agents are patrolling the area, just waiting for us."
Eragon nods and they both pull out their binoculars, looking about the airfield that was just down the incline and four hundred or so yards away. He immediately catches sight of three agents, two men and a woman, standing outside the door to the hangar. Four more are at the gate of road, resting casually against it. Inside there were bound to be more. Suddenly Arya grips his arms and yanks him to the ground. He hits hard, the wind getting knocked from him. She circles her forefinger and thumb over her left eye, the signal for sniper. He frowns. How many snipers did they fricking have?
She gave him a questioning look and motioned to the sniper, clearly asking if he could use it. He grimaced, holding up his thumb and forefinger to show that he sort of could. She nodded and tilted her head towards it. Taking the order, he dropped to his stomach in front of it and positioned the weapon expertly. It wasn't that he didn't know how to use it or wasn't good at it, but his record would show a failing mark on the sharpshooter test. Truth was, he'd gotten to the point of boredom that he didn't even care. Within a minute he'd fired at everyone else's target on the field and gotten himself kicked out of the training.
Luckily for him he was too good to lose and so they just avoided putting him back in the class. Now though, there were actual stakes and he couldn't afford to screw around. Taking a breath he searched for the sniper Arya had spotted. For a moment he looked away.
"Even with a silencer, it's relatively loud. I didn't realize how close we were to the airstrip. Do we seriously want to risk it?"
She nodded from her position on the ground.
"We don't have time to trek all the way over to their position. And from what I can tell, that silencer is top quality. Do it."
He nodded and scoped back in. After a moment of searching, he saw the glare of the other's weapon and took a deep breath, aiming. He shot, the release echoing across the open air. He saw the woman go limp just as her lookout appeared from the trees. Before he could call in, Eragon had fired again and brought her to the ground. Beside him Arya's body had tensed.
"They heard the shots. Now it's all about strategy and keeping the numbers in our favor. They-"
She was cut off as the sniper's walkie talkie sounded static and a voice came through.
"Ryan what's going on?"
Eragon spoke into the receiver. He might as well throw them off a bit.
"They're coming from the North side. I caught sight and fired but they moved behind cover just as I pulled the trigger. I'll keep you posted on their location and take any shots I can. Get em.'"
He set down the talkie and glanced at Arya.
"Now what?"
She furrowed her brow before checking her weapon and crouching down.
"You keep up here and start picking off the crew. I know there's at least fifteen guards outside. While you do that I'll go down and take a look inside to see what we're up against."
He hated at her plan but kept his cool, only shaking his head.
"They'll realize it's me."
She waved away his attempt to change her plan.
"Just radio in after the first shot and say they have a sniper. Tell them to take cover. It'll keep them focused on themselves and not anyone coming from the Southeast."
He gritted his teeth and settled down into position. Damn her and her reckless ideas. It wasn't until he felt her hand on his shoulder that he realized she wasn't gone.
"Eragon, I'm going to be fine. I need you to focus on your task though or I'll get killed."
He looked up at her, seeing sincerity in her eyes. Sighing he nodded.
"I got your back. Get down there."
She nodded as he readjusted the sights and found his next target. He waited until the guard looked his direction before he squeezed the trigger and watched as the bullet sprayed blood out the back of his skull. The guard fell and the two others around him panicked, ducking under cover and looking rapidly about for the shooter. Eragon picked up his walkie and spoke with fear in his voice.
"They've got a sniper! Repeat, the enemy has a sniper!"
The team leader answered back in anger.
"Take him out, Ryan!"
"I can't find him!"
A growl was heard on the other side and Eragon grinned. They had these guys hectic at the moment. He took a chance to search out Arya's progress and found that she had just reached the cement of the airstrip and was crouched low behind an empty fuel tank. Knowing she was alright made it easier for him to carry on and he searched for his next victim. He found her, a guard in position closest to Arya. Without giving himself the chance to think, he shot, blowing her across the pavement and the man next to her. A scream was heard as he stumbled away and crawled to to join the five agents hunkered by the door of the hangar.
Eragon tried to get a shot on them but they were too well covered, making it impossible. And then suddenly, Arya was there, slamming her shoulder into the man closest to her and unsheathing the knife, driving it into the woman beside him. She ducked a jab and swung her leg under another, at the same time bring up her gun and firing into the two on the ground. That left three agents to fight her. With practiced ease she knocked a weapon from one of the guards remaining and jumped away, rolling to her feet and shooting each with a single bullet. As she pulled the trigger for the last shot, he saw that the gun was empty. Arya dodged to the left, tugging her knife from the chest of the dead and chucking it at the last, striking him directly between the eyes.
Eragon's mouth about dropped as he watched. She was right. He was nowhere near her level. The commotion had caught the attention of the remaining seven and they were inching their way to the back. He picked off two before they reached the mess and hunkered down in the same space. Arya had ducked around the other side of the building and he kept an eye on her while also shooting at anyone who dared leave their cover. One stuck their head out too far and he felt the jolt as his gun fired again.
"Chase." He froze at Murtagh's voice coming through the walkie talkie. "Or maybe Taylor. I'm assuming she is with the Varden too?"
Eragon didn't see any reason to not respond. It did mean they knew their man was down though so he'd have to relocate. He stood with the weapon, running swiftly through the trees. He paused a moment to respond.
"Hey Murtagh how ya' feelin?'Last time I saw you you were out cold in a pool of your own drool."
The voice on the other end laughed.
"You always were quite amusing my friend. It was very clever of you two in how you began your attack. It's too bad that you wont be escaping me again."
Eragon resettled the weapon on the ground and looked through the scope to find that he had a better shot at the remaining agents outside. He took one more down before responding, also using the time to reload.
"Oh? And do you know something that I don't?"
Murtagh's smugness was apparent through the receiver.
"Of course. I know the family is not with you, and I heard the battle outside, so they are not with Taylor. I'm assuming they are with that other girl, Izzie? And she doesn't really have much of a chance against seven of my best. But good luck."
Terror flooded through him as he stood, forgetting the sniper completely and unholstering his pistol. Dismissing their strategy and running down the steep incline, gun raised. The agents caught sight of him and rose from their cover, laying down fire. He fired his gun as he jumped in the air, hitting the ground hard and rolling several times behind the same empty fuel tank Arya had hid behind. One of the remaining was groaning and Eragon hoped he'd at least gotten one of them. Leaning out he caught sight of two left. Their bullets pelted the ground by his hand and he yanked it back, reloading his gun and leaning heavily against the canister. It rolled from it's spot and he jumped slightly, startled, before getting an idea. He pushed against it will all his might and rolled it forward.
His enemies bullets continued to pelt the canister and when he had shortened the distance, he lunged to the side and skidded, firing his weapon at the distracted agents. They had expected him to still be behind the fuel tank and he used surprise to bring them down. Standing up, Eragon sprinted to the last place he'd seen Arya. He rounded the corner and caught sight of her about to turn to the front of the building.
"Arya!"
She whirled at his voice, having recognized it. Her face was furious as she took him in.
"What the fuck is wrong with you!?"
He caught his breath, his horror obvious in his voice.
"They're going to Saphira."
Her eyes darkened and the fear he felt was reflected by her. She turned, sprinting the direction the road lay, when a tumble of metal caught his attention behind her feet.
"Shit!"
He went after her, taking her to the ground and away from the grenade that had been tossed. It blew and he felt the heat rake up his back as his body protected hers. He pushed himself off despite the pain and tugged her from the ground. Sprinting, they collapsed in the woods, taking cover just as bullets hailed their location. He turned and peered out, seeing four guys along with Murtagh all line behind sandbags they'd set up. Arya sucked in a breath and he looked over to find her staring at his back. He frowned. He couldn't feel anything except sharp pain and so it was impossible to tell what exactly was wrong.
"What?"
She shook her head, looking away and coming up beside him. Despite his desire to know what the hell was wrong with him, he knew it was better he remain in ignorance for the moment. Arya pulled her pack off her shoulder and yanked it open. From inside she pulled two stun grenades and handed him one.
"Only have two so make them count."
He nodded, waiting for her go signal. She counted down from three with her fingers and fisted her hand at zero, causing him to chuck the weapon. The clank was heard as it hit the ground and the explosion even rang in their ears. Seconds after she threw hers, aiming it inside the building's open door. The second explosion was their cue. Arya stood and they shot rapidly into the smoke and dust until they'd both unloaded their clips. He couldn't even think about trying not to kill Murtagh, not when his friend was in danger. As they ran towards the cars Arya handed him a gun she'd picked up, seeing that he was empty. Just as they reached the camouflaged Chryslers a gunshot was heard in the distance, followed by and agonized scream.
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Lol yeya. I think you should be slapped by a dinosaur. With claws. That were dipped in poison.
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Omg that sounds like a funny/ awful moment. Like, if I was watching I'd laugh, but if I was in it I'd be like, "NOOOO CAT, AWAY WITH YOUR STUPID FACE!" My cats are too lazy to move, let alone step on my remotes. Although I wasn't even at home at the time so . . . yeah haha.
highheel1144: I'm glad :) Hehe I actually don't know yet. I'm trying to think of a mission idea right now. It'll be cool though.
Taeyeon: Do it! There aren't enough of them! I hate accounting. Blaahhh it's so dumb! But my teacher is funny so that's cool. I'm glad my story inspires you!
Gazamidori: So did you think I was a girl or was it 50-50 for me? Cause I'd like to be in the ridiculously well written category (I kid. I'm not nearly there yet.) Holy crap you sound like one of those super smart kids. I'm so jealous! You should keep watching it! It's really amazing :D Hehe this one only took two days! I decided not to make you all wait that long. Well, it kind of moved the plot along but only near the end. Lol it's ok, text talk is cra. And I've been trying to add more in. Like, I have a huge vocab in words that I understand, but I always forget to add them into the story because I'm dumb lol. Haha yeah I understood :)
Walter Peterson: I'll try! And it's totes fine :)
burning book: lol your reviews always make me smile
A Dark Noon: You have a story? What's it about? (If you've told me before, don't be offended that I'm asking. I forget these kind of things). And if I find some time I might check it out. Although truthfully I don't read many FF anymore. Hehe here was your action/ sort of angst scene :D I LOVE EFFING PSYCH! OMFG! YESSSSSS.
Renaissancebooklover108: That he is :)
TheeRoyalJester: True that about sleep! I have an insane and totally jacked sleeping schedule. Action galore! I hope you liked it :)
My Generation: Lol it was pretty good. Thanks I tried to make him pretty cool haha. I actually haven't had one for the past fifteen or so chapters. But I know last chapter was kind of rushed and bleh. Hopefully this one was better. If not, well, :( Lol thank you lots!